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Report of the UNESCO Forum of Ministers on Social Protection Policies in South Asia

The Third UNESCO Forum of Ministers in charge of Social Development from South Asia, on Social Protection Policies in South Asia, was jointly organized by UNESCO and the Ministry of Social Services of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, during 20-22 February 2011 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Forum enabled exchange between social science researchers and policy makers, facilitated cross-country learning of policies and programmes of the participating Ministries and increased awareness about the Social Protection Floor Initiative and its practical eligibility in South Asia. The Forum concluded with the adoption of a political Declaration by Ministers and Heads of Delegations of SAARC countries, affirming political will and determination to promote and expand the scope of social protection policies in the region.

The reportof the Forum summarizes the social policy dialogue that occurred at the Forum, covering the discussion on country experiences and best practices on social protection; deliberations of the thematic sessions, including social protection schemes for migrants and the urban poor, employment oriented social protection schemes, child-sensitive social protection and the Social Protection Floor Initiative; the final Colombo Declaration and all other relevant background documents.